Johnsburg School District 12 hosts four distinct programs within our district that serve our children who are in need of special educational programming.  The selection of the appropriate academic program is based on a collaborative decision-making process.

We encourage all of our parents and community members to become aware of all the academic programs we offer, so that we can continue to serve our students as they can best be served.  To provide a brief overview of our programs, we have listed a summary of each program.
Please contact Rich Schisler at 815.385.6460  if you have any further questions.

Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Ringwood’s early childhood education (ECE) program is provided for three to five year old children with significant delays in two or more of the following areas:
 
Communication Development (Speech and Language)
Physical Development (Fine and Gross Motor)
Cognitive Development
Social or Emotional Development
Pre-Academic Skill Development
Adaptive Development

Direct special education instruction, speech, social work, and physical and occupational therapy services are available to students who qualify. Children are eligible for ECE when delays are identified through a diagnostic evaluation.

ECE offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the Illinois state standards. The classroom setting promotes development of communication, cognition, social, self-help skills, pre-academic skills, and fine and gross motor skills. Our ECE program is a blended Pre-K program giving children with disabilities access to their same age peers in the least restricted environment.

Applied Learning Programs (ALPS)
ALPS is part of a continuum of special education programs which provide educational experiences to meet the needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities who will benefit from an alternative placement. ALPS students may require modifications in techniques, methodologies, curriculum and/or program structure/supports in order to meet the identified educational needs. The goal is to teach academic, social, self-care, vocational, communication, recreational and daily living skills that are necessary for each student to participate independently to the greatest extent possible in an integrated community environment.

Student Transitioned Education Program (STEP)
STEP is part of a continuum of special education programs which provide educational experiences to meet the needs of students with mild to moderate emotional disabilities who will benefit from an alternative placement. The primary goal of the STEP program is to serve students who are in need of a supportive and therapeutic educational setting that will allow them opportunities for educational success and provide an understanding of their own behavior and how it affects their interpersonal relationships with peers and family.

Transition Program (FLLYT)
Transition occurs throughout life for all students, but the process becomes formalized when the student reaches age 14½ and a transition planning document is added to the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The purpose of the transition plan is to initiate a process of assisting in the movement from school to an adult lifestyle based on the individual's needs. Johnsburg has created a transition program which focuses on the development of those skills needed for the implementation of an individual's plan for adult life. This plan is identified in transition planning conferences and includes the student, parents, school and outside agencies when appropriate.